What is it? For all their loveliness, tulips can be a faff for the time-pressed gardener: no sooner have they bloomed than the bulbs need lifting, drying, then replanting to ensure a good show the following year. Enter stage left, Tulipa tarda – a wild, dwarf species that's reliably perennial and even self-seeds. And unlike some of the species tulips, such as the fiver-a-bulb T. sprengeri, buying in bulk won't require a huge outlay. Every March and April, each stem produces a clutch of white buds that open to buttery yellow stars edged in cream. Height and spread 25cm x 15cm.
Plant it with? T. tarda grows in golden carpets in its natural home of central Asia, so think drifts. Or plant a few in a big terracotta pot to cheer up your patio.
And where? A sunny, well-drained spot. This tulip's described as best for rock gardens but who has one of those these days? If you do, apologies; if not, use as ground cover at the front of borders.
Any drawbacks? The seedling plants can look like grass, so if you want them to spread, don't weed too diligently.
What else does it do? The flowers have a honey fragrance, but you'll need to get down on your knees to fully enjoy it.
Buy it Order 50 bulbs for £12.99, or 100 for £16.98 (including free UK mainland p&p). Call 0330 333 6856, quoting ref GU107. Or visit our Reader Offers page. Delivery from October.